Two classical music legends — violinist Itzhak Perlman and flutist Sir James Galway — are among the headliners for the 2019 Fort Myers Community Concert Series, which also will celebrate the first American tour of the National Symphony Orchestra of Romania.

The Fort Myers Community Concert Association has its own celebration as well; the 2019 series will be its 70th. The association is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization founded by Barbara B. Mann in 1949 to bring world-class entertainment to Southwest Florida at affordable prices. It has more than 1,700 members, underwriters and sponsors.

Over the years, Community Concerts has brought national and international talent to Fort Myers that includes the Minnesota and Cleveland orchestras, the Vienna Boys Choir, pianist Andre Watts, violinist Joshua Bell with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, and others.

The series will feature six performances, one more than its regular five, but that isn't because of the anniversary, explained Susan Bennett, publicist for the organization.

Teatro Lirico d' Europa's production of "Tosca"(Photo: Submitted)

The season has an unprecedented six concerts because violinist Itzhak Perlman, who had been scheduled to perform last season, became ill. Concertgoers were refunded the price of their tickets, and Perlman was added to the coming season, she said.

Season tickets are now on sale. Prices ranges from $198 for prime orchestra and mezzanine seats to $186 for other orchestra and mezzanine seats, $102 for lower balcony seating and just $78 for upper balcony. Most mezzanine seating already is sold out, according to a news release from the organization.

“We anticipate that we’ll be sold out by the time the series begins in January,” said Community Concert Association President Mary Lee Mann, in a news release about the season. “Where else can you see not one, but six performances for what you would expect to pay for just one?”

For tickets and membership information, see the information box. Tickets to individual performances are not available at this time.

Jan. 7 — National Symphony Orchestra of Romania: The National Symphony Orchestra of Romania, the country's elite youth ensemble, is honoring the unification of Romania and Transylvania in its first tour of the United States with music from a Romanian composer, George Enescu. Its program includes Enescu’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 1, Dvorak’s Cello Concerto, Richard Strauss' "Suite from 'Der Rosenkavalier' " and Ravel’s "Bolero."

Jan. 14 — Puccini's “Tosca”: The tale of an impulsive diva, a sadistic police chief and an idealistic artist that one musicologist called a "shabby little shocker" brings a riveting opera, musically and thematically, to the stage. Teatro Lirico D’Europa productions include a full orchestra of 47 to 50 members and a chorus of 40 singers.

Feb. 12 — Russian National Orchestra: The Russian National Orchestra celebrates the 100th anniversary of Rachmaninoff coming to the United States with an all-Rachmaninoff program, including "Vocalise," his Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18 and Symphonic Dances, Op. 45.

Feb. 25 — Russian National Ballet: The Russian National Ballet performs “Cinderella.” With Prokofiev's music, lush scenery and the double-roles of the step-sisters done to a comic turn, the company blends tradition of classical Russian ballet with developments in dance from around the world.

March 11 — Itzhak Perlman: Perlman, internationally known violin virtuoso, returns to the Community Concert series for a second time. Perlman has been honored with more than 20 Grammys (including one for lifetime achievement in 2008), four Emmys and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

March 28 — Sir James Galway: Nicknamed “the man with the Golden Flute,” Galway is an Irish virtuoso flutist whose repertoire includes both classical flute works and songs from a variety of musical genres, including show tunes, pop and country. He has recorded dozens of albums over the decades and has sold more than 30 million records.